The IOC season will kick off on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The meetings are held twice monthly on Tuesdays at Miller Canfield and begin with a soft start social period and dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The 2026 Inn of Court dates are:
Membership and participation in the Detroit Bar IOC is an exclusive benefit available only to Detroit Bar members. Non-members must join the Detroit Bar when they join the IOC.
The IOC dues for the 2026 program year are $75 for Masters, $50 for Barristers and Associates, and $25 for Law Clerks. This fee covers the costs for program administration and food and beverages during the season.
TO REGISTER: Use the link on this page and email your resumé to Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org. The deadline to register is Friday, January 30, 2026.
March 5, 2026
12 - 1 p.m. Zoom Platform
Join Mercer Advisors for a timely and insightful webinar designed for legal professionals across Michigan. We’ll unpack the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new tax law that brings unchanged rates, shifting brackets, and fresh credits—offering clarity on how these changes may impact your clients and your practice.
We’ll also explore the key macro and market themes shaping the year ahead, including our analysis of economic growth, policy developments, and market dynamics. Whether you're advising clients through financial transitions or simply staying informed, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate both legal and economic landscapes with confidence.
Presenters:
Members - FREENonmembers - $35
To update your membership status or to join, visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/join or contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.
SPONSOR:
The information provided in this programming does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only.
Join Past Detroit Bar Association Presidents Zenell Brown, Tiffany Ellis and DBA President Elect Stefanie Reagan for a casual happy hour in honor of International Women's Day.
Stop by for a drink or just to say hello and reflect with us on the roles each of us hold in the legal communities and beyond. RSVP below.
I'LL BE THERE!
The Detroit Bar Association Criminal Section
10 Steps to Bullet-Proof Your Recordings
Thursday, March 12, 2026 12-1 p.m. Zoom
This program is designed to address the realities attorneys now face as recorded evidence becomes central to nearly every case—body-worn camera footage, jail calls, surveillance video, phone recordings, Zoom hearings, and client-provided media. While recordings are often perceived as objective, they are among the most fragile and easily misunderstood forms of evidence.
The webinar provides practical, attorney-focused guidance—without requiring technical expertise—and covers:
The “10 steps” framework gives attorneys a repeatable, courtroom-ready method for evaluating recordings so they can confidently rely on them—or strategically challenge them—while reducing risk to their case.
Our goal is not to turn attorneys into forensic experts, but to give them the judgment tools needed to recognize digital evidence issues early, ask better questions, and avoid common pitfalls that can undermine credibility or admissibility.
Presenter: Chris Flowers, National Bureau of Forensic Analysis
Members $15 Nonmembers $30
Please email slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org with any questions you might have regarding registration.
To become a Detroit Bar member or update your membership, please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/join/
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Corktown Taphouse 1611 Michigan Ave Ste 200, Detroit, MI 48216
Join the Detroit Bar Association Foundation for our first-ever Trivia Fundraising Event—an evening of friendly competition and networking to support our existing Pro Bono Clinic and the launching of our new Low Bono Programs.
Todd Flood will emcee the evening. He is host of the legal talk radio show "Behind the Bench with Todd Flood" on News/Talk 760 WJR and trustee of the Detroit Bar Association Foundation.
This engaging event is a great opportunity to bring colleagues together, strengthen firm camaraderie, and connect with fellow members of the legal community—all while supporting the Affordable Legal Assistance Program (ALAP) being launched by the Detroit Bar Association Foundation. Family and friends are also welcome and encouraged to participate!
Event Highlights
Registration Options
Whether you’re organizing a firm team-building outing or joining colleagues for a fun and meaningful evening, this event offers the perfect blend of trivia, networking, and philanthropy. Friends and family are also welcome to participate in support of this great cause!
ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Download the sponsorship PDF here.
For questions about sponsorship or assistance with registration, please reach out to Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
QUESTION SPONSOR:
TEAM SPONSORS:
April 29, 2026
Law Day is a nationwide celebration of the rule of law, in recognition of how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. FIND OUT MORE
The deadline for submission is May 11, 2026. A submission fee of $25.00 US payable electronically is required to begin the evaluation process. By way of providing a submission, the author(s) agree that Detroit Bar in its sole discretion may without restriction or expense reproduce, publish, and use in an electronic or written format any such submission.
Please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/legal-scholars/ for more information.
For questions, contact Darlene Trudell at dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org.
"Raising the Bar" 190th Annual Dinner
June 11, 2026 Detroit Golf Club 5–8 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Raising the Bar 2026, the Detroit Bar Association's annual meeting—held at the iconic Detroit Golf Club.
Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition, including the installation of Detroit Bar officers and awarding those who have shown exceptional dedication to the outreach and growth of the law, within both the Detroit Bar and community.
Nonmembers welcome. Tickets are $105 per person.
Click here sponsorship information. For more information, contact Darlene Trudell at dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org or 248-408-6919.
Last year's sponsors:
DIAMOND SPONSORS:
EMERALD SPONSORS:
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS:
ANNUAL SPONSORS:
PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR:
PRINTING SPONSOR:
The Detroit Bar Barristers are pleased to once again present the Outstanding Young Lawyer Awards. These awards will recognize the accomplishments of young attorneys who, despite being in the early stages of their career, have demonstrated great potential as future leaders of the legal community.
Nominees for these awards must have been in practice for 10 years or fewer. Recipients will be announced and honored at Summer Breeze on July 14, 2026, 5:30-8:30 pm, at Supergeil Detroit.
Nominations for the Barristers Awards must be received by Friday, June 19, 2026, and must include the name of the nominee, their firm/organization, years in practice, as well as a brief (not more than one page) statement explaining the basis for the nomination. Supporting documentation may also be attached. Award recipients are required to be active Detroit Bar Association members.
Submit nominations and questions to Patrick Masterson at PMasterson@dickinson-wright.com.
July 14, 2026, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Supergeil Detroit 2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
It’s time for the 37th Annual Barristers' Summer Breeze and Law Clerk Party! This year’s Summer Breeze will be held at Supergeil Detroit, where guests can enjoy networking with members of the judiciary and other legal professionals. Summer Breeze is an ideal opportunity for new attorneys, summer associates and law clerks to meet and mingle with various members of the legal community in a relaxed and informal setting.
The Summer Breeze also provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of some of our best and brightest young attorneys who have, in the early stages of their career, demonstrated great potential as future leaders of the legal community.
Click here to view the award categories and to nominate an outstanding young Lawyer!
Registration: $45 Detroit Bar Members; $65 for non-members and includes appetizers. There will also be a cash bar available. Free admission for Detroit Bar Law Student Members and Members of the Judiciary. We look forward to seeing you on July 14!
For more information, contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.
Detroit Bar Association Golf Outing
August 6, 2026
Mystic Creek Golf Course1 Champion Circle Milford, Michigan
9:30 a.m. shotgun start.
Join us in supporting the Detroit Bar and Foundation’s education and community outreach activities.
Thank you for supporting the Detroit Bar!
For more information contact:
Darlene Trudelldtrudell@detroitlawyer.org 248 408-6919
Thank you to those who sponsored the 2025 outing!
Presenting Sponsor:
Photography Sponsor:
Dinner Sponsor:
Lunch Sponsor:
Dinner Reception Sponsor:
Drink Ticket Sponsor:
Golf Ball Sponsor:
Prize Sponsor:
Printing Sponsor:
Hole Sponsors:
Berri Azakir, PLLC
Bush Seyferth
Butzel
Colovos Law Firm
Construction Owners Association of America / Michigan Chapter (COAA-MI)
CURE Auto Insurance
Dickinson Wright
Flood Law
Fortz Legal Support
Foster Swift
Hickey, Hauck, Bishoff, Jeffers & Seabolt PLLC
Highstreet Hershey Insurance Agency
Honigman
Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Kajy Law
Kitch
McKeen & Associates, PC
Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
Morgan & Jones PLLC
Padilla Law Group
Records Deposition Service
Vision Computing Solutions
Wayne Mediation
Whitlock
October 5, 2026
The Social Brews Detroit 211 W Fort St #100, Detroit, MI 48201
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Meet the Judges! The Detroit Bar Association welcomes you to join us at The Social Brews Detroit on October 5th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a post-work happy hour. Relax and connect with fellow lawyers and jurists outside of the courtroom; no programs, no briefs, no motions—only friendly debates, drinks and appetizers. Appetizers will be included with a cash bar available.
LOCATION:
The Social Brews Detroit 211 W Fort St #100, Detroit, MI 48226
COST:
$45 Detroit Bar Member $65 Non-Members $25 Students Judges are complimentary
For questions, contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.
November 12, 2026 Detroit Yacht Club 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Join the judges and mayors at the 22nd Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Gala.
Archer Award winners all have one thing in common – each is an attorney or jurist who exemplifies the ideal of the law as public service. Proceeds will fund free legal clinics and community outreach programs.
90% of funds raised are directly allocated to pro-bono legal services, educational and student activities.
Please contact Darlene Trudell at 248 408-6919 or dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org for sponsorship information.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Board Members of the Detroit Bar Association and Foundation
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS: Bodman Brooks Wilkins Sharkey & Turco PLLC Butzel Dykema Jefferson Law Center Jones Day Kerr Russell Michigan State University College of Law Pierce, Monroe & Associates, LLC University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Vision Computer Solutions Wayne State University Law School Zausmer, P.C.
BRONZE SPONSORS Atnip & Associates, PLLC Bush Seyferth Clark Hill Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC Hickey Hauck Bishoff Jeffers & Seabolt, PLLC Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC JAMS McDonald Hopkins Miller & Tischler, P.C. Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLCMiller Johnson Slater Seibert, PLLC Sommers Schwartz, P.C. U.S. Legal Support Varnum LLP
BENEFACTORS Foley & Lardner LLP Lewis & Munday, P.C. Mediation Tribunal Services
CONTRIBUTORS Alan C. Young & Associates, P.C. Altior Law, P.C. Erin Archerd Hon. Marylin Atkins Tishia Browning Ray Carey Checker Transportation Hon. Ponce D. Clay Collins Einhorn Farrell PC Sarah Cylkowski E Title Agency William Gilbride, Jr., Mediator, Special Master, Receiver Luis Gomez Deborah Gordon Law Michael Donnelly Fortz Legal J. J. Conway Law Kajy Law Firm, PLLC Kramer, Corbett, Harding & Dombrowski Lingual Interpretation Services Christopher A. Merritt Roger P. Meyers Ottenwess Law Eric Poe Stefanie Reagan John Rhoades James Rosenfeld Suzanne C. Stanczyk, PLLC Hon. Cynthia Diane Stephens Tamara Knapp Advisory Lisa Timmons Veritext
IN-KIND SPONSOR: Detroit Legal News
December 7, 2026
The Whitney Ghost Bar 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit 48201 5:30-8:30 pm
Celebrate the season at the Whitney Ghost Bar in Detroit, a historic favorite known for its Detroit history food and elegant atmosphere. Enjoy an evening of connection and cheer as you share conversations, memories, and laughter with colleagues and friends—reflecting on the highlights of 2026 and looking ahead to 2027.
Guests will be treated to heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and festive holiday musical entertainment, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
$45 member $65 non-member $25 student Judges may attend for free.
Includes hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.
Contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.